Euthanasia and assisted suicide: clinical and bioethical analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Lately the bioethico-medical investigations raises the question about the legality and justice of euthanasia and assisted suicide. Although euthanasia raises medical, biological, juridical and other aspects it is useful to mention that it is mainly a bioethical dilemma. It is impossible to clarify the problem of euthanasia partly, it must be seen as a common problem, which can be solved only by profound bioethical analysis. Only this type of analysis can help to resolve the problem complexly, from all spots of view, showing that euthanasia is a problem of society, having deep social reasons and complications. Purpose and Objectives: To clarify the problem of euthanasia and assisted suicide from medical, bioethical, philosophical and social points of view. For it is essential to show the moral aspects of euthanasia in comparison to assisted suicide in socio-medical practice, look through the arguments of “for” and “against” the legalization of euthanasia in our country. Materials and methods: Published Scientific works and sociological questionnaires where used to clarify the question. In the process of investigation: analysis, synthesis, deduction and induction sociological, theoretical and others methods of investigation where used. Three sociological questionnaires where used; among the citizens of Chisinau, students, doctors. For each group different questions and answers where made. Results: Basing on investigations made, was found a modality reflecting true feelings of the population of Moldova towards Euthanasia and Assisted suicide. Most of the respondents answered positively on «Are you for euthanasia?» (51 %). «Do you consider necessary for legalizing euthanasia?» (67%). «Can euthanasia be seen as free will of terminate patient?» (76 %), but on answering the question “Would you like that euthanasia would have been used towards your relatives almost?»(97%) answered negatively. Their answers were conducted by pity towards the terminally ill patient, but when the problem bothered them privately not everyone answered positively. Doctors were more straight by answering no 57% on legalizing euthanasia and 98% on using euthanasia for them. Students answered less dramatically, 23% could have assisted a suicide and every 5th could be a spectator during the process. Conclusion: Trying to resolve the problem of euthanasia and assisted suicide we stand on the margin of two different sides. It is impossible to make a conclusion about legalizing euthanasia, it is crucial to develop a juridical procedure of euthanasia, because a big role stands on the opinion of society.